IGNITE YOUR SPIRIT: BRÜKA THEATRE’S 34th SEASON AUDITIONS

Step into the spotlight and be part of Brüka Theatre, inviting actors, singers, dynamic movers, and visionaries to unleash their artistry for our thrilling 34th Season: SPIRIT. Join us in downtown Reno to craft brave, electric, and unforgettable theatrical moments that resonate long after the final curtain falls.  Mark your calendar for a night of bold creative fire on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Whether you are a storied Brüka veteran or taking your very first leap onto our stage, we want your unique energy to illuminate our season.

Reserve Your Audition Slot on SignUpGenius

Essential Steps

• Reserve Your Spot: Sign up online via SignUpGenius or email us at brukaproduction@gmail.com for an invitation.

• Fill Out the Audition Form: Please take a moment to complete your 2026/2027 Audition Form Online before arrival.

• Seamless Accessibility: Auditions involve stairs. If you require elevator access or specific accommodations, email brukaproduction@gmail.com in advance so we can welcome you effortlessly!

Day-of AUDITION & Preparation

Arrive charged and ready 15 minutes early through our side-door entrance on First Street. Upstairs check-in is required at least 10 minutes prior to your time block. Performers will be called in vibrant, collaborative groups of five!

• What to Prepare: One contemporary monologue (timed 1 minute) with introduction. If auditioning for the musical, prepare 16 bars acapella or with self-accompaniment. Maximum audition time is 2 minutes total.

• What to Bring: Your headshot/photo and current theatrical resume.

• Attire: Dress comfortably and appropriately for movement — please no flip-flops!

• Strict maximum total time is 2 minutes.

Walk-ins are welcome on audition day as time permits, but securing your slot in advance guarantees your audience!

THE 34th SEASON LINEUP: STORIES OF SPIRIT & PASSION

THE HALF-LIFE OF MARIE CURIE by Lauren Gunderson
An intensely emotional 80-minute two-woman drama. In 1912, amidst a scandal that threatens to consume her, Nobel laureate Marie Curie finds sanctuary and radical solidarity in the home of fierce British engineer and suffragette Hertha Ayrton.

Casting:  Marie Curie: Female, Polish-born/French national, 40s (flexible). Accents required. Brilliant, rebellious, haunted yet stubbornly independent, possessing a commanding balance of stillness and urgency.

Hertha Ayrton: Female, British, 50s–60s (flexible). Accents required. Tough, razor-sharp, fiercely loyal, and endowed with biting humor and unbreakable resilience.

Inclusive Casting Vision: We welcome performers of all backgrounds, ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities. Rehearsals launch immediately. Plays October 5 – October 22, 2026 (15 performances).

BÜTTCRACKER: Journey To Uranus
Our legendary, provocative holiday spectacle returns! A high-octane parody of classic ballet, blending physical theatre, audacious comedy, and irreverent dance (15 performances). Seeking up to 12 fearless comedic actors/movers ready to dive into dynamic physical roles.

15th ANNUAL BIGGEST LITTLE THEATRE & NEW WORKS FESTIVAL
A vibrant celebration of raw local talent, original voices, and groundbreaking play readings (January 20 – 24, 2027). Script submissions open September 15, 2026.

– WHOSE LIFE IS IT ANYWAY – Written by Brian Shane.  Wendy Feign directs this stage reading featured in this year’s festival. Casting:  We are seeking diverse, compelling actors for all roles. This reading will focus heavily on vocal performance, sharp dialogue, and deep emotional stakes.  9-11 actors.  The patient has been precast.  (Reading:  January 24, 2027)

THE HEAT DEATH OF THE UNIVERSE by Michael Wilder Frazel, directed by James Mardock (March 5 – March 27, 2027; 16 performances). A wild, intoxicating adaptation of The Bacchae set in a vineyard—probing political ecstasy, personal transformation, and rosé.

Casting: Open casting for key roles: Rue (politician), Gabby (mother), Cade (advisor), and The Stranger (an enigmatic Dionysian presence).

ORPHANS by Lyle Kessler, directed by Dave Richards (April 23 – May 15, 2027; 16 performances). A searing, darkly funny fable of two isolated, orphaned brothers whose volatile lives explode when they kidnap a mysterious, fatherly Chicago mobster.

Casting:  Treat: Male, early-to-mid 20s. Brutal, protective, volatile thief.
Phillip: Male, late teens-to-early 20s. Sensitive, reclusive, captive to his own fears.
Harold: Male, 50s–60s. Smooth, charismatic, authoritative racketeer who transforms their world.

SWEET CHARITY, the 1966 Broadway musical composed by Cy Coleman features lyrics by Dorothy Fields and a book by Neil Simon. Directed by Mary Bennett, choreography by Alexander Biber (June 18 – July 18, 2026). A colorful, high-energy musical masterpiece depicting 1960s NYC dreamers, cynics, and romantics. Seeking sensational singers, dancers, and actors (18+).  Age range: 20 – 40.

⤐ Charity Hope Valentine: Lead. Fiercely optimistic taxi dancer looking for love. Requires boundless comedic charm, magnetic stage presence, and immense dance/vocal stamina.
⤅ Oscar Lindquist: Lead. Neurotic, claustrophobic actuary with a heart of gold. Needs strong comedic timing and a warm baritone voice. Age range: 20 – 45.

Supporting Roles (Age ranges: 18 – 50)

• Nickie: Charity’s sharp, cynical, yet loyal best friend and fellow taxi dancer. Strong belter (alto) and a powerful, grounded dancer with great sass. Leads “There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This”.

• Helene: Another close friend and Fandango Ballroom dancer. Tough on the outside, world-weary, and sharp-tongued. Strong alto and dynamic dancer.

• Vittorio Vidal: A glamorous, world-famous Italian movie star. Charismatic, dramatic, and self-absorbed, yet charming. Requires a strong baritone and suave stage presence.

• Herman: The grumpy, tired, and cheap manager of the Fandango Ballroom. Grouchy on the surface but cares deeply. Comic character role with great timing.

• Nickie & Helene: World-weary, sassy Fandango dancers. Belters with powerful Fosse dance style.

• Vittorio Vidal: Suave, glamorous Italian film star with a rich baritone voice.

• Herman: Gruff, hilarious ballroom manager with a hidden heart.

• Daddy Johann Sebastian Brubeck: Funky, hypnotic leader of the “Rhythm of Life” church. Vocal powerhouse.

• Ursula March: Vittorio’s fiery, jealous socialite girlfriend.

• Ursula March: Vittorio’s glamorous, fiery, and deeply jealous girlfriend. Appears in a brief, high-intensity scene.

Ensemble Powerhouse

• Fandango Ballroom Dancers: (Carmen, Rosie, Frenchie, etc.) Exceptional dancers trained in sharp, sensual Fosse jazz style (“Big Spender”).

• General Ensemble: Dynamic multi-role actors, vocalists, and dancers bringing NYC street life to vivid reality.

BRÜKA THEATRE FOR CHILDREN: “Lil Red” In The Hood.
An inspiring, high-energy touring production taking a fractured fairytale addressing obstacles and SEL for school and community tours (Casting two actors ages 18+; daytime availability required.  Paid.).

This year’s theme, “Spirit” continues to explore live theatre in the raw, authentic, cutting-edge style that Bruka has become known for.  Beyond the mainstage, Brüka’s Studio 44 will buzz with creative energy, hosting community workshops, theatrical bookstore gatherings, and intimate artistic conversations throughout Season 34.

ABOUT BRÜKA THEATRE: Celebrating 34 groundbreaking years in downtown Reno! Brüka Theatre remains a beacon of artistic risk-taking, acclaimed for reimagining classics, fostering original works, and delivering top-tier Theatre for Children. A non-equity, non-profit member of TCG, Brüka has earned “Best Theatre Company” honors for over two decades. Discover more or subscribe at www.bruka.org.

DIGITAL AUDITION SUBMISSIONS: Can’t make it in person? Video submissions are welcome from August 22 to September 1, 2026. Submit your 1-minute monologue (plus 16 bars acapella if auditioning for musicals) and your Audition Form to brukaproduction@gmail.com.